"We have one day, and you people have been absolutely special," he added. "You've done it the old fashioned way, hard work, honesty and integrity, because, ladies and gentlemen, you love this country we call America."

Thompson criticized President Barack Obama, saying repeatedly he has failed and has no plans and no ideas. He also went after the president on foreign policy.

"I am so sick and tired of our president apologizing for our successes," Thompson said, adding that he wants the president to step aside and let Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan do what is necessary.

In particular, Thompson singled out the nation's debt, saying the current generation has failed to leave a better future for the next. As he praised Romney and Ryan, the crowd grew louder and louder and Thompson was shouting into the microphone to keep his voice heard.

Other Republicans in attendance praised Thompson. Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus told the crowd they were in a battle for freedom.

"We started a revolution in Wisconsin," Priebus said, adding that it had begun with Thompson.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, set to become the state's senior senator, said he has a good feeling about Election Day, but he added: "I beg you, send me Tommy not Tammy."

Thompson was introduced by Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. She said she had to fill in for the former guv at a campaign event in Sun Prairie on Monday. Thompson wasn’t able to get to the outskirts of Madison because air space was shut down for the president’s campaign event, Kleefisch said, drawing boos from the crowd.